![New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, second right, is introduced during a news conference in Eagan on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Joining O'Connell are, from left: Zygi Wilf, Vikings chairman and co-owner, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell, and Mark Wilf, Vikings president and co-owner. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press) New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, second right, is introduced during a news conference in Eagan on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Joining O'Connell are, from left: Zygi Wilf, Vikings chairman and co-owner, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell, and Mark Wilf, Vikings president and co-owner. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press)](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Cst-66076-Kevin-OConnell-Vikings.jpg?w=135)
![Charley Walters](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/20121221__121222_Charley_Walters-e1503334006213.jpg?w=78)
Charley Walters
Charley "Shooter" Walters writes a weekly sports column for the Pioneer Press.
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![New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, second right, is introduced during a news conference in Eagan on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Joining O'Connell are, from left: Zygi Wilf, Vikings chairman and co-owner, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell, and Mark Wilf, Vikings president and co-owner. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press) New Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, second right, is introduced during a news conference in Eagan on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Joining O'Connell are, from left: Zygi Wilf, Vikings chairman and co-owner, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, O'Connell, and Mark Wilf, Vikings president and co-owner. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press)](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Cst-66076-Kevin-OConnell-Vikings.jpg?w=135)
It would seem the Vikings would be more inclined to give O’Connell an extension than Adofo-Mensah.
![Charley Walters Charley Walters](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Walters-1.jpg?w=140)
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Charley Walters: Vikings could really use Adam Thielen now
Even before Jordan Addison was arrested in Los Angeles the other day for suspicion of driving under the influence, the Minnesota Vikings were thin at wide receiver. Now, it’s a...
![Charley Walters Charley Walters](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Walters-1.jpg?w=140)
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Charley Walters: From start, Mauer had Cooperstown potential
Mauer, 41, has earned more than $220 million over 15 years in the major leagues with the Twins.
![Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates with Rudy Gobert. Timberwolves Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates with Rudy Gobert.](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AP24146074349673.jpg?w=132)
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Charley Walters: Knicks’ moves mean no room for Towns trade
Bottom line: Towns isn’t going to the Knicks after all, at least not for draft picks.
![Fans wearing Twins gear Fans wearing Twins gear](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/STP-L-TWINS-0405_08.jpg?w=140)
Charley Walters: Twins fans left waiting for Bally bankruptcy court
Meanwhile, the White Sox, Blackhawks and Bulls are working on a joint Chicago TV network.
![Karl-Anthony Towns goes to the rim Karl-Anthony Towns goes to the rim](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2154527890.jpg?w=132)
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Charley Walters: Wolves’ offseason hinges on playoff outcome
Breaking the team up to save millions in luxury tax would be devastating for fans.
![Bill Musselman with team members. Bill Musselman with team members.](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-1345143915.jpg?w=131)
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Charley Walters: Bill Musselman would love Wolves’ tenacious defense
Musselman was so crazed about defense that before games at Ashland, on a chalkboard in the locker room, he would write the number of points he wanted his team to...
![Charley Walters Charley Walters](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Walters-1.jpg?w=140)
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Charley Walters: Look for Vikings to trade up to draft J.J. McCarthy
To get McCarthy, the Vikings will trade their Nos. 11 and 23 first-round picks.
![Charley Walters Charley Walters](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Walters-1.jpg?w=140)
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Charley Walters: Time is now for Vikings to get a franchise quarterback
The Vikings know they have to move up to draft an elite QB. But everybody else knows it, too.
![Two men sit at a table with a Vikings helmet resting on it Two men sit at a table with a Vikings helmet resting on it](https://www.twincities.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Cst-66384-Kevin-OConnell-Vikings.jpg?w=132)
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Charley Walters: Futures of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell hinge on picking right quarterback
The Vikings have the Nos. 11 and 23 overall picks in the draft.